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Oud Perfumes are Trending, But Usually Expensive As Hell—We Found the Best Ones, Starting at $30
One spritz will make you feel so rich.
It's no secret that we are obsessed with perfumes here at Cosmo. We have spritzed our way through the most iconic perfumes to narrow down the best of the best perfumes, curated the best colognes to gift, and have broken our faves down by the most popular notes and families from florals to warm vanilla scents. But one scent family we have yet to dive into, until now, is oud.
For me, oud perfumes can be hard to get right. Arabic countries are the kings of the beautifully resinous wood note, but sometimes, in many forms, it can be really overpowering. And if you don't like #beast-mode scents, the richness of the note can make some scent shoppers a little hesitant to reach for an oud scent. But, after much intense research, we've whittled down some of the best on the market, that'll capture the interest of everyone from woody scent lovers to gourmand and even floral fans...
Our top picks for oud perfumes in 2025:
Keep scrolling for all the best oud perfumes, from softer creamy ouds to pure, rich and powerful, or fresh and floral variations. Truly, I’ve got an option for each preference.
While this scent has a deep woodiness to it thanks to the oud, leather and musk, the pear adds a sweet twist and the pepper a dash of spice - all of this is enveloped in a rose note that really lasts–sublime for a scent that's under $30.
What reviews say: "This is so delicious. When I was wearing it one day someone said I smelled like an expensive carpet in Marrakech. And you know what? Hell yeah."
You honestly won't get a more classic oud than this. The oud in this scent is really pure, coming from Laos, one of the most expensive places in the world to purchase the ingredient. Mixed with patchouli from Singapore and cedar wood from Morocco, it's quite the concoction of woods and spices. It's powerful without being heavy.
What reviews say: "After about 30 minutes, that medicinal note tones down, and the saffron comes out more, making it a bit sweeter. It still has a clean, almost fresh feel, but the oud keeps it warm, and the projection is moderate."
With a base of tonka bean, this scent has a comforting warmth that's kept burning by the top notes of pink pepper and cardamon. It's spicy, smoky, and sensual, and one for a sexy date night, for sure.
What reviews say: "Been wearing Oud Wood for about a year now and it still gets comments from others. I love the fragrance in my skin. Lasts really well throughout the day. I’ve recently splashed out and bought the moisturiser too which intensified it. Well worth the money."
If there is one brand that gives the best introduction to ouds, it's Kayali. Mona Kattan (the founder of the brand) knows great oud scents. Personally, of all the ouds Kayali offers, this is my absolute favourite. Oud with cappucino and florals sounds like hell, but the meshing of the three creates an incredible creamy, sweet, soft, and feminine oud that's wearable day or night and year-round.
What reviews say: "This fragrance is a true showstopper. It has the perfect balance of Oud—neither too strong nor overpowering, just beautifully blended. I save it for evenings out or special occasions. I blind bought it after reading so many great reviews, and I have no regrets!"
The words oud and fresh do not easily coexist, but this Jo Loves scent manages to pair the two worlds really well. The pomelo is the star of the show in this scent; super citrusy and bright but the warmth of the oud and cedarwood gives it gorgeous depth. If you're a citrus fan, look no further.
What reviews say: "I have tried the original pomelo fragrance and was interested in this one, I would say the main difference is that this one has a slight musk scent which the normal one does not have. the oud is not heavily overpowering and you can still smell the pomelo note which is really great. perfect for any season to!"
Rose often gets lumped into granny vibes (which we at Cosmo, especially beauty writer Lia Mappoura, really disagree with), so this is anything but. It's a dark, nighttime rose scent that's warm and spicy, thanks to the clove enmeshed between the oud and the damask rose.
What reviews say: "My favourite Jo Malone scent. A sexy oud rose smell and as someone who doesn’t like a floral smell this is the most subtle and slightly sweet / warm scent in the best way."
Looking to gift someone in your life a gorgeously deep, woody oud? This luxe pick from Creed contains smokey frankincense alongside spicy clove and cardamon in the heart of the scent for a warm, spicy and long-lasting fragrance.
What reviews say: "I am obsessed with this one on my husband. You know when something just smells amazing and it never gets old? Every single time he wears it, I just want to sit a little closer to him."
The meshing of leather and oud in this sounds like it would be overwhelming, but instead it's softly warm and earthy and a little bit floral. I love this in the evening, it's great to spritz on before a date night as it's not a beast-mode scent as many ouds are.
What reviews say: "Leather softened by amber and incense, like the last glow of a campfire. Quiet, contemplative, with a touch of melancholy. Stays close to the skin, like a memory."
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Keeks Reid is beauty director at Cosmo UK with 12 years of experience writing about beauty, including reviewing the Rare Beauty perfume and the best lipsticks for your Zodiac sign. She is a keen woody fragrance lover but has tested hundreds of fragrances in the past year alone.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
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